Barcode Format Guide

What it does

When you add a barcode element to your template, you can choose which barcode format to use. Different formats have different rules and are used in different industries.

Available formats

CODE128 (default)

• Most common format for general use.
• Can encode any text, numbers, and symbols.
• Variable length — no fixed number of digits.
• Good for: SKUs, internal codes, any custom text.

EAN-13

• Standard retail barcode used worldwide (except North America).
• Exactly 13 digits. The last digit is a check digit.
• Good for: Products sold in stores outside North America.

UPC-A

• Standard retail barcode used in North America.
• Exactly 12 digits. The last digit is a check digit.
• Good for: Products sold in US and Canadian stores.

UPC-E

• Compressed version of UPC-A.
• 6 digits (expanded to 12 internally).
• Good for: Small products where space is limited.

CODE39

• Older format that encodes letters, numbers, and some symbols.
• Variable length.
• Good for: Inventory tracking, ID badges, logistics.

EAN-8

• Short version of EAN-13.
• Exactly 8 digits.
• Good for: Very small products where EAN-13 does not fit.

ISBN

• Used for books.
• 13 digits (same structure as EAN-13).
• Good for: Books, publications.

GS1-128

• Extended version of CODE128 with special application identifiers.
• Used in supply chain and logistics.
• Good for: Shipping labels, cartons, pallets.

How to choose

1. In the template editor, add a Barcode element.
2. Select the element on the canvas.
3. In the properties panel, find the Barcode Type setting.
4. Choose the format you need.

Good to know

• If you are not sure which format to use, CODE128 is the safest choice. It works with any text or number.
• EAN-13 and UPC-A require a specific number of digits. If your barcode data has the wrong number of digits, the barcode may not render correctly.
• You can choose to show or hide the barcode text below the barcode image.
• You can also adjust the text size and the gap between the barcode and the text.